Guam Del. James C. Moylan and CNMI Del. Kimberly King-Hinds are urging federal officials to extend the public comment period on a proposal that could open waters between Guam and Rota to deep-sea mineral exploration.
In a Nov. 21 letter to Bureau of Ocean Energy Management acting Director Matthew Giacona, the delegates requested an additional 120 days beyond the current 30-day window, saying island residents, scientists, fishers and local leaders need more time to weigh in on the potential impacts.
They warned that exploration in the proposed leasing area could affect fisheries, marine ecosystems and the economies of both territories. The request echoes concerns raised by the governors of Guam and the CNMI.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, under the U.S. Department of the Interior, published a request for information and interest in the Federal Register. The notice is the first step in a process that could lead to a lease sale for seabed minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The public comment period closes Dec. 12.
The delegates also called for a formal consultation agreement under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to ensure both governments have a direct role in evaluating future activity.
“Those who know these waters best must be at the table,” they wrote.
